October 9 at a briefing following the Government meeting, vice ministers of education and science Elmira Sukhanberdiyeva and Bibigul Assylova spoke about measures to improve the quality of pre-school education. According to results of national testing, salaries kindergarten teachers to be increased from 30% to 50% — Elmira Sukhanberdiyeva October 9 at a briefing following the Government meeting, vice ministers of education and science Elmira Sukhanberdiyeva and Bibigul Assylova spoke about measures to improve the quality of pre-school education. Thus, Sukhanberdiyeva informed that in fulfillment of the President’s Address to the people of the country “Growing Welfare of Kazakh Citizens: Increase in Income and Quality of Life,” the Ministry of Education and Science is considering a block of issues related to pre-school education. “We are developing a Roadmap together with local executive bodies. A working group is being created. We are starting work on the implementation of a unified national qualification testing,” said the vice minister. It should be noted that the qualification tests for middle level teachers have already been developed. Moreover, in June 2018, 56,910 teachers passed certification on them. Teachers who have passed the test and the second stage, from September 1, receive a new salary. The next test will take place in November 2018. By analogy, it is planned to introduce national qualification testing for educators. “We are now talking about raising wages. A surcharge from 30% to 50% based on the results of the national qualification will be introduced. This applies not only to educators, this also applies to heads and methodologists of kindergartens,” said Sukhanberdiyeva. At the same time, the Vice Minister of Education and Science Bibigul Assylova reported that on behalf of the commission, by 2023, the overall expenses for education would be significantly increased. “As part of the additional funds that will be allocated to us, starting from 2019, the salaries of educators, methodologists, and heads of kindergartens will be increased. As part of the development of the Law on the Status of Teachers, an increase in the salaries of school principals and deputy directors is envisaged. In addition, in order to support our teachers, almost three times increase in wages for classroom management and for checking notebooks alone is provided. Additional funds will be allocated from the republican budget for these purposes,” Assylova informed.https://primeminister.kz/en/news/obrazovanie/vospitatelyam-detsadov-po-rezultatam-natsionalnogo-test... Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/edu/press/news/details/25264?lang=kk

October 9 at a briefing in the press center following the Government meeting, Vice Minister of Education and Science Elmira Sukhanberdiyeva spoke about the updated content of education, the work of psychologists and the unloading of three-shift schools.In the Address to the People of Kazakhstan “Growing Welfare of Kazakh Citizens: Increase in Income and Quality of Life,” the President noted that the methods and standards of education in Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools should become the single standard for the country's public schools. According to the vice minister, the transmission of NIS experience has already begun in 2016. The entire system of secondary education has switched to updated content. “We have a gradual transition: 1st, 2nd, 5th and 7th grades were engaged, now 3rd, 6th and 8th grades have been transferred. Until 2021, we will have completed the entire phased transition to the updated curriculum, and in 2021 all classes will proceed in stages and will graduate with the updated curriculum. The format has been completely revised: we have trained teachers, a new criterion assessment system has been introduced,” said Sukhanberdiyeva. At the same time, the vice minister of education noted the importance of solving the issue of school psychologists, of which there are now more than 7,000 in the country. “We will create a separate group that will address the issue of school psychologists. The question is very serious and it has long been overdue. Psychologists have a huge burden. In our country, according to the standards for one psychologist, we have a class-kit, which is not quite right. Now we have begun to revise the standards,” Sukhanberdiyeva stressed. The vice minister informed that in Almaty there are only 708 students per psychologist, and in Astana — 1,200. “Now we also allocate funds to organize courses, attract foreign experts, create a large program in order to properly and competently train our teachers, unload and direct it to ensure that we have a good psychological climate in schools,” added Sukhanberdiyeva. Also in his Address, the Head of State, in order to increase the availability of education, instructed the Government to provide 2019–2021 additional 50 billion tenge from the republican budget for regions experiencing the greatest shortage of student places and problems with three-shift and emergency schools. Vice Minister of Education and Science Bibigul Assylova noted that the issue of three-shift schools is being solved within 7-10 years. “The republican budget allocates significant amounts of financing for construction, but due to demographic growth and the development of large agglomerations, the problem of three-shift schools remains, especially in urban areas,” said Assylova. According to her, the largest number of three-shift schools in Almaty region. As part of the allocated funds for the three-year period in the Almaty region it is planned to build two schools.https://primeminister.kz/en/news/obrazovanie/minobrazovaniya-razrabativaet-programmu-obucheniyapedag... Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/edu/press/news/details/25262?lang=kk

October 9 at the Government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev, Minister of Education and Science Yerlan Sagadiyev reported on current issues in the education system. In particular, how the ministry plans to solve tasks set in the President’s Address “Growing Welfare of Kazakh Citizens: Improving Income and Quality of Life” regarding the quality of school, preschool and higher education.October 5, 2018, in his annual Address to the people of Kazakhstan, the Head of State updated a number of pressing issues facing the education system in the light of the new stage of the country's modernization. Among them are the improvement of the quality of school and preschool education, ensuring child safety, raising the status of a teacher and his role in society, synchronizing the construction of schools with plans for the development of human settlements and others. Pre-school Education and Training Sagadiyev reported that in preschool education and training, the coverage of children 3-6 years old is 93%. An automated system for issuing referrals to kindergartens is being introduced: today, 69.5% are automated in the republic. In 58% of kindergartens installed surveillance cameras. “The Head of State instructed to provide kindergartens and schools with video surveillance cameras for three years. For its part, the ministry will monthly monitor and summarize information,” said Sagadiyev. To improve preschool education, the issue of the quality of the staff in kindergartens will be addressed. The minister reported that, in accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, together with the akimats, in 2018 the Road Map will be approved, which will include measures to improve the skills of preschool educators, introduce uniform qualification requirements and revise the wage system. In secondary education, according to the minister, on the instructions of the Head of State, the law “On the Status of the Teacher” will be developed. The law will provide incentives for improving the social status of teachers, reducing the workload and protecting against unnecessary checks and other measures. The approval of the law is scheduled for 2019. The law will be developed and public discussions will take place in 2018. Secondary Education As noted by Sagadiyev, in order to resolve issues with emergency schools and the three-shift training system, 60 schools are being built in the republic today. Funds from the republican budget are allocated for the construction of 11 of them, 27 schools should be built from the republican budget — for these schools and for new three-shift schools, according to the ministry, a national base will be fully formed within a week. For these purposes, the allocated funds in the amount of 50 billion tenge will be directed first of all. The remaining three-shift schools should be built at the expense of local budgets. “As part of the Head of State’s instructions, it is necessary to bring the construction of schools into line with, by analogy with the construction of housing under the programs 7–20–25 and Nurly Zher. In this regard, the regions should envisage the introduction of standards for the provision of new homes with schools, a system for providing private companies with preferential loans for the construction of schools,” emphasized Sagadiyev. To increase the number of psychologists in schools, as well as to increase the level of their professionalism, the Ministry of Education and Science conducted work on the Happy Family Program with the invitation of foreign specialists. The work will continue, the Ministry will prepare a single program. In addition, national testing is being introduced, in all areas, refresher courses for psychologists will be conducted. It is also planned to consider an increase in the category and salary of educational psychologists through a new system of certification and testing for professional competence. The new system will be developed and submitted to the Government in 2018. In addition, answering the questions asked during the meeting, the Minister Sagadiyev reported on ongoing explanatory work on the updated content of education. Today, according to the ministry, 70% of children are enrolled in updated programs. Parents have an understanding, teachers are prepared for work. Work is also being done on introducing electronic textbooks: the work has begun, textbooks on some subjects are available and are being actively used. The ministry plans 100% equipment of schools with electronic textbooks within two years. At the same time, for the convenience of students, the issue of installing lockers in schools is being worked out. In the course of the consideration of the issue in the regions, akims of the Aktobe region B. Saparbayev, Almaty — A. Battalov, Mangistau — E. Tugzhanov, Atyrau — N. Nogayev Turkestan — Z. Tuimebayev, Zhambyl — A. Myrzakhmetov, Kostanay — A. Mukhambetov, North Kazakhstan — K. Aksakalov reported on the ongoing work to improve the quality of education, infrastructure, eliminate three-shift training and construct new schools.https://primeminister.kz/en/news/zasedanie-pravitelstva-rk/dorozhnoi-kartoi-budut-predusmotreni-meri... Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/edu/press/news/details/25261?lang=kk

On October 7 - 12, 2018 in Astana, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan will receive representatives of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) from 47 countries. Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mr. Yerlan Sagadiyev and executive director of IEA Dr. Dirk Hastedt will be giving their speeches at the opening session of the meeting. Also Dr. Hastedt expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan for kindly hosting the event and said «I am looking forward to meeting up with our IEA members in Astana for our General Assembly.  It will be a great gathering of international experts in educational research and assessment».   In 2017, Kazakhstan was elected by the IEA as the host country for the 59th General Assembly Congress of the IEA. This large-scale educational event will be held for the first time in Central Asia. IEA carries out such international projects as TIMSS, PIRLS, ICILS, ICCS, LaNA, which are an effective tool for independent international assessment of the quality of primary and secondary education, as well as contribute to the development of recommendations for improving state educational policy.   IEA experts meet annually at the General Assembly to review current and upcoming projects, exchange experiences on the use of research results, discuss technology assessment of educational achievements, assist participating countries and strengthen the interaction of IEA research institutions. Currently IEA includes 67 countries and educational systems.  This event was also made possible by participating in the three cycles of the study of the quality of mathematical and natural science education TIMSS (2007, 2011, 2015). So, following the results of TIMSS-2015, Kazakhstani schoolchildren of the 8th grade entered the top 10 leading countries, showing results comparable to Russia and Canada. In April 2016, the country first participated in the study of the quality of reading and understanding of the text of 4th grade students (PIRLS), taking 27th place. At the same time, in 2018, participation in the study of a new format, aimed at assessing computer and information literacy of 8th grade students (ICILS), the report of which will be published in 2020.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/edu/press/news/details/25260?lang=kk

October 5 in Ukimet Uyi Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev chaired an extended government meeting with the participation of the Head of the Presidential Administration Asset Issekeshev. The meeting was aimed at consideration of the execution of the Head of State’s instructions voiced in the Address “Growth of Kazakhstan's Welfare: Increasing Income and Living Standards.”Opening the meeting, Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev noted that the Head of State’s Address voiced today finds great support among the population. The main task of the Government is to implement these instructions in the near future; allocate sufficient amount of funds to the regions; quickly adopt necessary changes. The people should not wait for the fulfillment of the instructions made today, they should feel the results of the work.The Head of the Presidential Administration Asset Issekeshev recalled that the Head of State in his Address defined the welfare of Kazakhstanis as the main priority of the Government’s activities, which consists of two components: income growth and quality of life, including quality of social services, comfortable living environment and safety. In addition, the President will keep in check issues of preparation for the winter, harvesting campaigns, unreasonable growth of prices for food, coal and other issues of Kazakhstan's well-being, which affect the socio-political situation.The government members, in turn, reported on plans to implement the tasks set by the Head of State. Income increaseFirst of all, measures will be taken to increase the income level of the population. So, from January 1, 2019, the minimum wage will be increased 1.5 times: from 28,000 to 42,500 tenge. As a result, this will lead to an increase in salaries for 1.3 million citizens. In addition, 275,000 civil servants will receive a salary of an average of 35% more. These are employees of education and health care systems.The Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Madina Abylkassymova reported that in order to fulfill the instructions of the Head of State to increase the minimum wage from January 1, 2019, by 1.5 times to 42,500 tenge, the relevant amendments will be made to the draft law “On Republican Budget for 2019–2021.”“The method of determining the minimum wage will be changed with the exception of binding to the size of the subsistence minimum. In accordance with the instructions of the Head of State, from January 1, 2019, wage increases will be provided for 275,000 civil servants working in budgetary organizations. The growth of wages for them will average 35%,” said Abylkassymova.In addition, with an increase in the minimum wage, the tax burden for the employed population will decrease in proportion to the increase in tax deductions from the incomes of all employees. Reducing the tax burden will affect more than 6 million employees.In general, the increase in the minimum wage will lead to an increase in wages for 1.3 million people working in low-paying positions in all sectors of the economy. Improving the Quality of EducationWork will continue to expand state support for education and health care with a focus on improving the efficiency of spending in these areas. The President has set a task to increase spending from all sources on education and health care from 7.4% to 10% of GDP over the course of 5 years. In addition, measures will be taken to raise the status of a teacher, build new schools, as well as gradually increase the salaries of district health workers by 20%, digitize the healthcare sector and build a new scientific oncology center in Astana.The Minister of Education and Science Yerlan Sagadiyev said that within the framework of a cardinal enhancement of the quality of school and preschool education, the Ministry of Education and Science together with akimats will develop a corresponding Roadmap, which will include measures to improve the skills of preschool educators and introduce uniform qualification requirements.“At school, this work is already underway. This year, a national qualification test has been introduced. According to the results of certification, more than 34,000 teachers were awarded qualification categories in schools. Surcharge to the specified number of teachers is made from September 1, 2018. In general, the size of the surcharge varies from 30% to 50% depending on the category,” the minister reported.The transition to international standards is according to the schedule. In 2019–2020 the whole assessment system will be translated into PISA, SAT, AST standards.In addition, the school will continue to work to reduce the shortage of student places. As part of child safety, measures will be taken to equip schools and kindergartens with video surveillance systems. About 4,000 surveillance cameras will be purchased.On the instruction of the Head of State, a law “On the Status of Teacher” will be developed, which will provide incentives for raising the social status of teachers, reducing the study load and protecting against unnecessary checks, etc. Sagadiyev also noted that work will be continued to raise the quality requirements teaching in higher education. Improving the Quality of Medical ServicesAn important link in the provision of medical services is at the level of polyclinics and dispensaries.The Minister of Healthcare Yelzhan Birtanov reported that in order to improve the quality of the provision of medical services to the population, a gradual increase in the salaries of all local health workers will be carried out by 20%. The salary increase will affect more than 10,000 district doctors and 30,000 nurses, as they learn new methods of work, bringing to 100% by the end of 2019. For this, 5 billion tenge will be allocated. This will improve the quality of medical care, reduce the number of complications and hospitalizations for major diseases, as well as ensure quality patronage of children and pregnant women.At the same time, a pilot project on switching to paperless healthcare is being completed in 2018. It has already been implemented in 92% of pilot organizations. As part of the implementation of the Head of State’s instructions, from January 1, 2019, all clinics and hospitals will fully switch to paperless medical records. In addition, by 2020, 100% of the population will be covered by an electronic passport.On behalf of the Head of State, a new concept of the National Scientific Oncology Center in Astana has been developed, which implies its construction on the basis of the existing medical facilities in Astana. In future, this will allow integrating it with the Medical School and other scientific centers of Nazarbayev University. The Center will provide all modern technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including nuclear medicine, proton therapy, radiosurgery, cellular immunotherapy and more. Construction will be started in 2018. New Approaches to IndustrializationThe implementation of the Head of State’s instructions to improve the welfare of citizens will be carried out not only by direct salary increase. Economic growth due to the multiplicative effect also affects the increase in the nominal income of the population. Thus, the government will provide additional incentives for the development of non-commodity exports as the main component of GDP growth in the long term. The transition will be made to the target support of efficient export-oriented manufacturers of the manufacturing industry.The Minister for Investments and Development Zhenis Kassymbek reported on measures to further increase the value added in the economy, export-oriented production processes, improve human potential and quality of life, and integrate the economy in the country, regional and global context.In order to intensify the work on industrialization, new approaches have been developed in both the short and long term. The priority will be the further “complication” of the produced basket of goods and the expansion of presence in foreign markets. As part of industry’s preparation for the “digital era,” the necessary infrastructure and standards, “model factories,” will be created. Digitalization of the industry will become one of the main components of the productivity and competitiveness of our enterprises. The system of comprehensive financial and non-financial support for exporters will also be strengthened. In the next three years, 500 billion tenge will be allocated for these purposes.Among the expected effects of export support: growth in non-oil exports by 1.5 times by 2022, the annual contribution to GDP growth from non-oil exports will increase to 5 pp by 2022, as well as the overall increase in the number of export-oriented enterprises (up to 450). Quality and Affordable HousingThe implementation of the President’s instructions voiced in the Address to support the development of housing construction will allow many citizens to improve their living conditions and will give additional impetus to the country's economic growth, and this will create new jobs and promote the spheres of construction, domestic enterprises and related areas (furniture, household appliances and equipment production).As part of providing high-quality and affordable housing, in the next five years, the Nurly Zher State Program plans to build more than 650,000 dwellings (76.6 million m2), which will provide housing for about 2 million citizens.As part of the 7–20–25 Program in the next five years, about 103,000 citizens will be able to purchase housing. Under this program, akimats are charged to work out a mechanism for partial subsidization of initial contributions from local budgets. According to the mechanism for young families and public sector employees, social assistance is provided for reimbursement of half the size of the down payment.In addition, a special mortgage for servicemen and law enforcement officers has been launched through the Housing Construction Savings Bank system, which will provide housing for 71,000 servicemen and employees of special agencies.According to the Minister Kassymbek, 20,000 rental and 56,000 credit dwellings will be built on state funds. To achieve the goals outlined by the Head of State, the government will increase funding for the construction of rental housing from 25 billion to 35 billion tenge.The government is also considering the issue of increasing up to 100 billion tenge of financing for the engineering and communications infrastructure for connecting houses under construction to networks. Allocated funds will provide high-quality water supply to 80% of villages and improve the quality of life of their people. Improving Business and Investment ClimateThe government will take measures for the full and timely execution of instructions from the Head of State related to improving the business environment.The Minister of National Economy Timur Suleimenov at the Government meeting reported that as part of the development of small and medium-sized businesses, an additional 30 billion tenge will be provided annually for the further implementation of the state program Business Roadmap-2020. Today, a new pool of 4,000 projects has already been formed. Subsidies will be provided directly through the operator – Damu Fund.Support for new projects will create an additional 22,000 jobs and produce products for 3 trillion tenge.For the development of competition and antimonopoly work, as noted by Suleimenov, the proposals in the housing and utilities sector will be implemented under the housing and utilities bill, which is in Parliament (the draft law of the Ministry for Investments and Development). Regarding the elimination of the shadow turnover, the Ministry of National Economy has prepared a number of amendments on unaccounted cashless payments, the use of ERP systems and “cashbacks.” Under the “tax amnesty” for small and medium-sized businesses, the necessary changes will be taken into account in the framework of the draft law on the development of the business environment and regulation of trading activities until the end of 2018. Development of the Agro-Industrial ComplexThe government has begun work on the implementation of Head of State’s instructions to increase labor productivity and export of processed products by 2.5 times. Thus, within the framework of the updated State Program for the Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex, measures will be taken to increase the competitiveness of the industry and its technological re-equipment. At least 100 billion tenge will be additionally allocated for these purposes annually, which will allow to fully implement the tasks assigned to the agro-industrial complex.Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture Umirzak Shukeyev noted that the initiatives in the Head of State’s Address are bringing to the new qualitative level the stimulating role of the state in the agricultural sector.“Today the state support of the agricultural sector practically consists of those budget allocations — 240 billion tenge, and 60 billion tenge — loans for spring field work. The Head of State instructed the government to allocate annually up to 100 billion tenge from the republican budget and out of 600 billion allocated from the National Bank, 200 billion tenge — an agricultural quota. That is, state support for agriculture is almost doubled,” said Shukeyev.Now the task of the Ministry of Agriculture, as Shukeyev noted, is to use this money efficiently and make it so that they act as a catalyst for the mobilization of other resources to the sector, that is, these 300 billion tenge should attract much more money to the complex. For this, together with the Majilis deputies, amendments to legislative acts have been developed, which provide for new financial instruments. This is the introduction of agrarian receipts, the improvement of agricultural insurance, as well as the development of a system of credit partnerships. For their implementation, a package of amendments to the legislative acts, which are currently under consideration in the Mazhilis of the Parliament, has been formed. By order of the Head of State, the bill is planned to be adopted by the end of 2018.Work will be done to change the subsidy system. Ineffective subsidies will be reduced. The rest will be maximally simplified and fully automated by the end of 2018. According to the results of the reform, out of 54 types of subsidies, 34 will remain.The reform of agrarian science and education has begun, their adjustment to the needs of business and technology transfer. The work is conducted in three directions: education, science and the system of dissemination of knowledge. In order to improve the quality of agricultural education, a concentration of three agricultural universities is held to provide the industry with specialists of the required quality.The standards of the world's leading universities will be introduced here, following the example of Nazarbayev University, and franchises of foreign universities will be attracted. As a result, it is planned to increase the cover of the agro-industrial subjects from 1.5-2% to 20-25%. Sustainable Development of the RegionsThe Head of State instructed to ensure the introduction of new approaches to the country's territorial development.As the Minister of National Economy Timur Suleimenov noted, currently the ministry, together with the Economic Research Institute, as well as a group of well-known scientists, are already conducting analytical studies on improving the spatial organization of the country with the study of world experience.This study will serve as the basis for the development of a new Forecast Scheme of Spatial Development until 2030, which will be submitted to the Presidential Administration before September 1, 2019. For the qualitative implementation of the Forecast Scheme, by November 1, 2019, a new Program for the development of regions until 2025 will be developed.Taking into account the instructions of the Head of State, the priority will be the development of local infrastructure: energy supply, water supply and sanitation, local roads. In 2018, 332 billion tenge was already allocated for these purposes from the republican budget. As a result of the implementation of the Regional Development Program, access to centralized water supply in cities will be 100%, access to centralized water supply in villages — up to 80%.A new approach to territorial development will raise the quality of life in cities and in remote areas, and will also stimulate the development of the regional economy. Financial Support for President’s OrdersThe Minister of National Economy Timur Suleimenov stressed that the Ministry of National Economy has a clear vision of the mechanisms for practical implementation, financial support and legislative measures to fulfill the objectives of the Address. In this connection, work has begun on the development of a national plan for the implementation of the Address of the Head of State.In his turn, the Minister of Finance Alikhan Smailov reported that work would continue to expand state support for education and health care with a focus on improving the efficiency of spending in these areas. Within five years, the task has been set to increase spending from all sources on education and health care from 7.4% to 10% of GDP. 96.3 billion tenge annually will be allocated for implementation to raise the minimum wage. Including 85.8 billion tenge directly for salary increases of 275,000 civil servants. 10.4 billion tenge — to compensate for the loss of the revenue part of the regions due to an increase in tax deduction. They will be given to the local executive bodies in the form of targeted transfers. As a result, in the economy as a whole, the wage increase will cover about 1.3 million people. Additional financing of the manufacturing industry and exports will be in the amount of 500 billion tenge. The total amount of state financial support for SME development will be 206.4 billion tenge for 2019–2021.“Within the framework of the three-year budget, an increase in expenditures on education is expected from 456.3 billion tenge in 2018 to 752.1 billion tenge in 2021, or by 65%. Over the same period, spending on health care is planned to increase by 24% from 1,076.2 billion tenge to 1,339.1 billion tenge,” reported Smailov.In pursuance of the instructions of the Head of State to decriminalize tax violations, changes will be made to Art. 3 of the Criminal Code to increase the threshold level of damage from tax evasion and / or other mandatory payments to the budget from legal entities from 20,000 MCI (48.1 million tenge) to 50,000 MCI (120.2 million tg). According to the Minister of Finance, under the tax amnesty, the Head of State has been instructed to begin the “tax amnesty” for small and medium businesses from January 1, 2019.Thus, on the financial support of the implementation of the instructions, the budget possibilities have been calculated. Optimization of other areas of expenditure and previously accepted obligations of the state is not required. A total of 1.226 trillion tenge will be channeled over the next three years.The Chairman of the National Bank Daniyar Akishev in his speech assured that the National Bank will fulfill all the instructions that were issued today in the President’s Address.“The National Bank will fulfill all the instructions of the Head of State and will make every effort to ensure stability of prices and in the financial market. Reducing inflation is a key factor in lowering interest rates on loans, increasing real incomes of the population and reducing all costs in the economy. We believe that the joint work of the Government, the National Bank and local executive bodies will allow to contain inflation in the established target corridor this year,” said Akishev.The chairman of the National Bank reported on the planned measures to prevent price increases. Akishev also reported that the National Bank is increasing the activity of the implementation of the 7–20–25 Program. Within two months from the start of the program, banks approved loans worth 25 billion tenge. As reported to the President, more than 2,000 applications have already been approved.During the meeting, Minister of Internal Affairs Kalmukhanbet Kassymov reported on plans to reform the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Work on the simplifying the organizational structure, the reduction of redundant managerial units and certain positions has already begun.“The staffing level will be revised, we plan to reduce it by 10%, which is about 9,000 police officers and 1,600 units of the penal system. We use the resulting budget savings to increase the salaries of employees,” said Kassymov.According to the minister, it is also necessary to provide housing rental compensations for employees of the road patrol police units, local police inspectors and local police inspectors for juvenile matters.In addition, within the framework of the reform, it is planned to implement measures to: free the Ministry of Internal Affairs from irrelevant functions, modernize the penitentiary system, and improve the structure of civil protection bodies. Here it is planned to optimize the number of state institutions — from 54 to 20. It is also planned to reform the departmental education and revise the personnel selection system in order to improve the quality of staff.Chairman of the Board of Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs Ablay Myrzakhmetov spoke about the plans and systemic measures necessary for the development of domestic entrepreneurship, improving the competitiveness and export orientation of Kazakhstani producers in the new message of the President.Following the consideration of the issue, Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev gave a number of specific instructions. Therefore, a national plan of activities will be prepared in all directions of the Address. The Ministry of National Economy has been entrusted with submitting to the Government a draft of a relevant resolution approving a national plan of activities for the implementation of the Address. Each order of the President should be assigned a specific leader, a clear deadline for its implementation and strict control established.Now work will begin in the regions to explain the Address. In addition, until October 20, in order to provide information support for its implementation, it is planned to have republican information groups consisting of representatives of state bodies and various organizations under the guidance of government members. Akims need to ensure the preparation and conduct of community meetings with information groups. The Ministry of Information and Communications, together with local executive bodies, has been instructed to provide coverage in central and regional media.“People should understand the importance of each task set by the Head of State and the stages of its implementation,” said Bakytzhan Sagintayev.https://primeminister.kz/en/news/zasedanie-pravitelstva-rk/v-pravitelstve-rassmotreli-voprosi-ispoln... Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/edu/press/news/details/25257?lang=kk

October 4 in Ukimet Uyi the Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev held a meeting with experts from Germany: co-chair of the working group of the Foreign Investors’ Council, director of Marketing and Sales at the KNAUF Company in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Dimitri Propp, head of representative office of German economy in Central Asia, Chairman of the Union of German Economy in Kazakhstan Robert Breitner.At the meeting, issues of development of technical and vocational education in Kazakhstan by improving the highly competitive system of training and retraining further, the practical implementation of dual education, training of teachers in the workplace and in General modernization of the vocational training system of Kazakhstan were discussed. Foreign experts shared their experience of professional education in Germany. In particular, the researcher of the Federal Institute of vocational education and training of Bonn H. L. Kress spoke about the advantages of dual education, mechanisms of implementation and contribution to the national economy. The Kazakh participants represented by the ministers of Education and Science Yerlan Sagadiyev, Labour and Social Protection of the Population Madina Abylkassymova, Investments and Development Zhenis Kassymbek, First Vice Minister of National Economy of Ruslan Dalenov and Deputy Chairman of Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs Olzhas Ordabayev told about the current situation on implementation of dual education in Kazakhstan, noting the importance and relevance of the transition to modernization of professional education and a new level of training for highly qualified personnel.Dual training in Kazakhstan has been implemented since 2012. Today the system is implemented in 460 colleges (70%) (2013 — 176 colleges, 2014 — 280, 2015 — 348, 2016 — 421) with the participation of 3,055 enterprises covering 31,607 students in 80 specialties and 165 qualifications.https://primeminister.kz/en/news/all/b-sagintaev-provel-vstrechu-s-nemetskimi-ekspertami-po-voprosam...Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/edu/press/news/details/25255?lang=kk

At the meeting, new approaches to improving the quality of higher education were discussed, including directions for the development of modern programs, the certification of graduates, the introduction of the system of academic integrity, the conduct of the rating of educational programs of universities. A set of measures to improve the quality of training for the new economy of the country also involves the creation of the League of Academic Integrity and the widespread use of the Anti-Plagiarism system for all written works. Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Education and Science Yerlan Sagadiyev reported on the current situation in the educational process of higher education institutions and proposed a set of measures to improve the quality of training and competitiveness of universities, including at the international level. The proposals were also made by the rectors of the Gumilyov Eurasian National University Y. Sydykov, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University G. Mutanov, International University of Information Technologies D. Shynybekov, Abay Kazakh National Pedagogical University T. Balykbayev, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University T. Nurgozhin, Narikbayev Kazakh Humanitarian Law University T. Narikbayev, Almaty Management University G. Kurganbayeva and others. At the end of the meeting, the Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev instructed the relevant state bodies to thoroughly study the proposals made and to hold a second meeting on this issue by the end of this year. In the world and national practice, the generally accepted procedure for recognizing the quality of services provided is accreditation. In Kazakhstan, the Register of Accreditation Agencies includes eight agencies, five of them are Kazakh and three are foreign. According to the monitoring of the accreditation of educational organizations and programs, in January-June 2018, 107 universities passed institutional accreditation in national agencies, accounting for 93% of the total number of civilian higher education institutions. As a result of the monitoring, 100 Kazakhstani universities, or 87% of the total number of universities, passed specialized accreditation. Kazakhstani universities take an active part in world ratings. So, in 2018 10 Kazakhstan universities were noted in the rating of QS WUR, in comparison with last year the number of universities increased. Kazakh National Agrarian University and Karaganda State Technical University are new Kazakh universities in the ranking. Al-Farabi KazNU joined the Top-300 – 220th place; rising to 16 positions. As part of the digitalization of the education system, 21 universities established a consortium on the basis of Al-Farabi KazNU to promote mass open online courses. In order to train personnel for the digital economy, 22 educational programs have been developed, implemented in the pilot project mode.https://primeminister.kz/en/news/all/bakitzhan-sagintaev-provel-soveshchanie-po-voprosam-razvitiya-v... Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/edu/press/news/details/25131?lang=kk

MOSCOW, July 12, 2018 – Within the framework of implementation of the agreements reached between the leaders of the SCO member states during the SCO Summit (Qingdao, June 9-10) High-level consultations on the international activities of the Organization were held.Kazakhstan was represented by Mr. Yerlan Alimbayev, Ambassador-At-Large, the National Coordinator on the SCO Activities. The Kazakh diplomat announced the country's position on key issues of the international agenda, drew attention to the need for timely and full implementation of initiatives of the leaders of SCO member states. He also stressed the importance of the President Nursultan Nazarbayev's initiatives on establishment of a platform to share experience in the field of new technologies and economy digitalization within the SCO, as well as for joint elaboration of the SCO Concept of Sustainable Development.Participants was welcomed by Mr. Sergey Lavrov the Foreign Minister of Russia, who noted in his address the growing demand of the SCO in the world and the further strengthening of the strategic cooperation with international and regional structures.Heads of delegations of eight member-states and Mr. Rashid Alimov, the SCO Secretary-General, in their speeches stressed the importance of concerted and coordinated actions of all parties in order to further improve the mechanisms of mutually beneficial cooperation on international arena.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25091?lang=kk

NEW YORK, 12 July - “Climate change is a 'threat multiplier' as it can result in poverty, food insecurity, illegal migration, social instability and bitter conflicts”, according to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Yerzhan Ashikbayev, on 11 July, at the open debate of the United Nations Security Council dedicated to Understanding and Addressing Climate-related Security Risks.In his statement, the Deputy Foreign Minister noted that the problem of climate change was a central theme throughout the world community, which had significant economic, social and environmental consequences. Kazakhstan is ready to unite with other Members States in joint multilateral action for global security.“Kazakhstan and the entire Central Asian region has its own tragic experience with dying Aral Sea. This environmental disaster has brought many challenges for the population and nature in neighboring states, affecting more than 60 million people”, Ashikbayev said. He then elaborated on the various measures undertaken to address this alarming concern, within the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, which had resulted in some notable positive improvements of the situation.Highlighting that climate change mitigation is one of the priorities of the Government of Kazakhstan, His Excellency underscored the significant steps taken to reduce the amount of hazardous emissions, as well as to move towards a full transition to renewable energy sources by 2050. The International Center for Green Technologies in Astana, which has been established on the site of Astana Expo 2017, will be crucial in furthering this process.The event chaired by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Margot Wallström, was addressed by President of the Republic of Nauru Baron Vaca, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the Minister of Water Resources of Iraq Hassan Janabi and others.In New York, Mr. Ashikbayev also participated in the forum titled, “Contribution of Transboundary Water Cooperation to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”. He shared the experience of Kazakhstan in the use of transboundary rivers with its neighboring countries in Central Asia, and also Russia and China. In addition, he also expressed support for a comprehensive consideration and application of the international water law to resolve the threat posed by the shrinking of the Aral Sea.Deputy Foreign Minister Ashikbayev also stated that Astana attaches great importance to the Meeting of the Parties to the Water Convention of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, to be held from 10 to 12 October, later this year, which was expected to attended by more than 400 representatives of governments, international non-governmental organizations and water experts from all around the worldSource : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/25083?lang=kk

An expanded meeting on landscaping and improvement of the ecological state of the city was held in Kostanay with the participation of Akim of Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov, the city administration and relevant services. The focus is on the implementation of the initiative of the Head of State Kassym—Jomart Tokayev "Taza Kazakhstan", which has become a new strategy for the formation of ecological culture in the country."Taza Kazakhstan is not a fashion trend, but a new social standard. We have to start small — with a clean yard, a well-tended tree, and a green park. Ecological culture should become the norm of life," Kumar Aksakalov emphasized, opening the meeting.Large-scale improvement plansAccording to the governor of the region, in 2025, more than 37% of the regional budget is directed to the development of the regional center. 17.1 billion tenge is provided for the improvement of urban infrastructure alone, which is 50% more than last year.Special attention is paid to the development of public spaces. This year, 7 parks and 3 squares with a total area of 93.5 hectares are being improved in Kostanay. Construction of a new 4-hectare family park has begun in the area of the former agricultural institute, and work will cover the surrounding area near the mosque. New recreation areas are planned in the MKR. Kunai, Pritobolsky Park, Central Square and other locations. There will also be a new park at the intersection of Temirbaev and Al-Farabi streets."We are not just creating parks, but modern points of attraction. At the same time, it is important not only to build such spaces, but also to maintain them efficiently. The responsibility lies with public utilities, businesses and every citizen," Kumar Aksakalov said.Ecology and landscapingSpecial attention was paid to landscaping issues at the meeting. In 2025, 52.7 thousand trees are planned to be planted in the region, of which 3,168 are in Kostanay. 970.1 million tenge is provided for the landscaping of the city, while part of these funds is allocated for the care of green spaces.Kumar Aksakalov instructed to stop the practice of illiterate and formal "crowning" of trees. Now all the work on the formation of the crown will be carried out only according to indications, with the participation of specialists. A specialized service for the care and accounting of green spaces will also be created, which will begin with a complete revision of the trees in the city."Planting a tree is good. But the real ecological approach is to preserve it, take care of it. We need perennial, stable plants, not seasonal flowers that die in a couple of months," said the head of the region.Modern courtyards and children's infrastructureNew playgrounds and sports grounds worth 1.3 billion tenge will be installed in 39 courtyards of Kostanay this year. All structures will be made of high-quality materials, with mandatory compliance with safety standards."The modern courtyard is a center of communication and life. Safety, comfort and quality must come first here," Kumar Aksakalov emphasized.Order in the city is a common causeAn important topic of the meeting was the maintenance of courtyards, adjacent territories of enterprises, institutions and trade facilities. The akim of the region instructed to amend the Rules for the improvement of settlements in order to expand the boundaries of business responsibility to sidewalks and roadways.The issue of organizing the removal of bulky and construction debris, which remains an unresolved problem, was also discussed. The governor of the region stressed that this could become a promising niche for entrepreneurship, in particular, in the field of processing. There are already 5 processing plants operating in the city, and in 2026, a new investment project for paper waste processing worth 7 billion tenge will begin.Landscaping control will be tightened, including video surveillance systems at container sites. The territory of the city will be divided into sections with the consolidation of responsible organizations, and the operational headquarters will regularly monitor the condition."Ecological culture is not a clean—up day once a year. This is everyone's daily choice. Only zero tolerance for litter and disorder will lead us to real order. "Taza Kazakhstan" is what we will leave to our children. And we must do everything to make them proud of their city," Kumar Aksakalov summed up.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/974855?lang=kk

A round table meeting titled "Ulttyk Kuryltai: Aldagy Maksattar and Mindetter" was held in Kyzylorda, attended by Malik Otarbayev, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Nurlybek Nalibayev, the Akim of the region.The regional head discussed the socio-economic development of Kyzylorda and emphasized the importance of hosting the next National Kurultai meeting in the region in 2026. With the special support of the Head of State and the Government, Kyzylorda has become a hub for significant initiatives and creative projects. The region leads the republic in all major macroeconomic indicators, with the regional budget exceeding KZT 750 billion , up from KZT 364 billion three years ago. These funds are dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents and implementing large-scale infrastructure projects. With direct support from the Head of State, a new thermal power plant with a capacity of 240 megawatts is under construction in Kyzylorda. The Turkish company Aksa Energy, the investor, has invested KZT137 billion in the project and has completed over 70 percent of the work. The facility is set to be commissioned in September. Following the President's instructions, to prevent electricity shortages in the southern regions, an agreement was reached during an intergovernmental meeting in Qatar to build a combined-cycle plant with a capacity of 1,100 MW, costing KZT 892 billion. This megaproject is expected to be commissioned in 2028.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/974612?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/almobl/press/news/details/974523?lang=kk

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 25, 2018 - At the invitation of the US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Kairat Abdrakhmanov, is attending the first Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, taking place on 25-26 July in Washington, D.C.Prior to the Conference, on July 25, Abdrakhmanov conducted a range of meetings with the US Department of State authorities, including First Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, who contributed to fostering cooperation within the Silk Road Strategy format, when he was a Senator in the 1990s.The diplomats focused on the dynamic growth of Kazakh-American relations, as well as on the implementation of the agreements reached during the official visit of President Nazarbayev to Washington in January 2018. Special emphasis was made on the enhancement of political and trade and economic partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States.Minister Abdrakhmanov also met with the management of leading American companies, who were briefed on Kazakhstan's increasingly favorable business environment. It was stressed that the successful implementation of the high-level agreements between the Presidents of Kazakhstan and the United States gave a boost to business activities, as well as increased the inflow of US investments into the Kazakh economy.The minister noted that given Kazakhstan's policy of economic diversification, the country is interested in attracting American experience and capital for the implementation of big high-tech projects, including in processing and manufacturing industries, development of transport infrastructure, agriculture, communications and IT-technologies. These and many other projects will be discussed during the upcoming visits of Kazakh officials to the United States and American trade missions to Kazakhstan.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/24475?lang=kk

International Conference on the Future of School Education Held in Almaty: Mentorship, Technology, and Equal OpportunitiesThe International Information Technology University (IITU) hosted the international scientific-practical conference titled «Effective School Education: Mentorship, Technologies, and Equal Opportunities».The event was organized with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and in partnership with the International Information Technology University (IITU), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Kazakhstan and the Akelius Foundation.Held in a hybrid format, the conference brought together experts, educators, researchers, and representatives of educational institutions both in person and online. The event served as a key platform for discussing the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities facing modern school education in the context of digitalization, migration, and inclusive approaches.During the sessions, participants explored practical and strategic topics related to language literacy, digital solutions, and effective mentorship practices. Special attention was given to the Akelius project, implemented by IITU in collaboration with UNICEF in Kazakhstan since 2021. The initiative aims to enhance digital skills and language literacy among children affected by migration and has already proven to be an innovative and effective learning model.In his welcoming remarks, IITU Rector Professor Assylbek Issakhov emphasized:«Modern education is not merely about transferring knowledge – it is a powerful tool that brings cultures together and creates equal opportunities. The Akelius project is a clear example of how technology can transform educational environments, making them more accessible and inclusive».The conference marked an important step toward strengthening collaboration between universities, schools, and international organizations in the development of new methodologies and digital solutions that support every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.Organizers expressed confidence that the outcomes of the conference would lay the foundation for new partnerships, projects, and educational initiatives that will foster international cooperation and enhance the quality of school education in Kazakhstan and beyond.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sci/press/news/details/974211?lang=kk

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Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/974105?lang=kk

Today, the final meeting of the regional public council took place, attended by the head of the region, Nurlybek Nalibayev. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Council, Arip Khozhbanov. Participants included the chairman of the regional maslikhat, the chairman of the regional branch of the "AMANAT" party, deputy akims of the region, council members, and department heads. The akim emphasized the importance of the public council's work and future plans. He noted that public councils have become a significant and promising institution representing civil society's interests. During the council meetings, decisions are made that help ensure the transparency of executive bodies. This demonstrates the implementation of the "listening state" concept initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the recent National Kurultai in Burabay, the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, proposed holding the next, 5th meeting of the National Kurultai in Kyzylorda. The public in the region welcomed the historic decision to hold it with satisfaction. With the special support of the President and the Government, the Kyzylorda region has become a hub for significant initiatives and creative projects. A positive trend has emerged in the region's socio-economic development. The third regional public council has successfully fulfilled its assigned tasks. The meeting was attended by council members, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences Kylyshbai Bisenov, and the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Akmeshit akshamy," Sarsenkul Bikhozhayeva. The public council consists of thirty members. Over the past three years, the Council has served as a dialogue platform between society and the executive branch. It has effectively organized public oversight, ensuring transparency in the activities of executive and self-government bodies. At the meeting, members of the third regional public council received letters of gratitude from the akim of the region and the Association of Public Councils under the Ministry of Culture and Information. In the coming days, the first meeting of the new composition of the regional public council will be held, where its chairman will be elected.Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/973954?lang=kk

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mod/press/news/details/973881?lang=kk

As part of the implementation of the Head of State's instructions, about KZT 5 billion were allocated from the Government reserve as targeted transfers to the budget of the Kyzylorda region for the construction of hot water supply networks. The corresponding resolution was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.Currently, Kyzylorda is the only regional center in the republic without a centralized hot water supply system.Multi-storey buildings in the city rely on electric or gas heating devices for hot water, which can lead to emergency situations.During his working visit to the region on October 10, 2023, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed that the issue of providing the city with a centralized hot water supply system be resolved by the end of 2025.The project, costing KZT 26.2 billion, is planned to be implemented in two stages. The first stage, covering 187 houses, will begin in 2024. The second stage will connect 236 houses this year. In 2024, more than KZT 11 billion will be allocated from the Government reserve for the first stage. The KZT 5 billion allocated from the Government reserve by this resolution will be used for priority work in the second stage this year. As a result of this project, 423 multi-storey residential buildings in Kyzylorda will be connected to the centralized hot water supply system.KZgovernment https://t.me/KZgovernment/16244  Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/973696?lang=kk

Today, the regional akim, Nurlybek Nalibayev, visited construction sites in the city of Kyzylorda. First, he reviewed the progress of the creative and innovative center being built by Bi Global LLP. Currently, work is underway on facade cladding, landscaping, interior decoration, and the installation of stained glass windows. A total of 260 people and 10 units of equipment are involved in the construction. Once completed, the center will offer services to children in sports and fitness, art and aesthetics, science and technology, and local history. Facilities will include courts for volleyball, basketball, and football, as well as a modern swimming pool. The head of the region also inspected the construction of a modern brick factory. Following a decision by the Regional Coordination Council, a 7-hectare plot was allocated for the plant in the Ondiris industrial zone in Kyzylorda. The project's cost is KZT 2.5 billion.The facility is projected to manufacture 90 million bricks annually. Currently, metal frameworks are being set up. The regional akim has reviewed the renovation of the 25th Anniversary of Independence Avenue. Since the previous year, efforts have been ongoing to reinforce the protective dam along the Syrdarya river from Beibarys Sultan Street to Abulkhair Khan Street, as well as to renovate 6.7 kilometers of the avenue. UAD LLP is overseeing the project, which has a budget of KZT 6 billion 656 million. So far, the construction of the road base and asphalt surfacing for a 1.2 km stretch has been finalized. Additionally, the Syrdarya riverbank has been cleared, a dam approximately 2.6 km long has been reinforced, and a wall measuring 1.4 km and a coastline of 820 meters have been constructed. At the new stadium on the left bank, the installation of metal structures for the eastern and western stands has been finalized, while walls, interior areas, and external stained glass windows are currently being built. External utility connections have been established. Work is ongoing to set up internal heating, water supply, electricity, and ventilation systems. The external walls and internal utility networks have been completed, and preparations for the installation of the football field and landscaping of the surrounding area are now commencing. Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kyzylorda/press/news/details/973686?lang=kk